The Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation has
designated September as Tree Stand Safety Awareness Month. Falls from tree
stands are the top cause of injury and death for deer hunters, which might
surprise some of us who assumed things like an accidental discharge or
succumbing to the elements while lost in the woods. Like any accident, falling
out of your tree stand is not 100% preventable, but serious injury or death
from the fall IS preventable. A few simple pieces of equipment, knowing their
use and operation, and following through with using them every time will make
all of the difference. A full-body harness and lifeline rope should be as
crucial to your gear as your tree stand and your weapon. It’s not enough to
just clip in once you’re up in the tree either, since most injuries actually
occur on the ascent and descent. TSSA has provided their simple “ABC’s of Tree
Stand Safety” to keep it easy for anyone to remember:
Always
remove and inspect your equipment
Buckle
on your full-body harness
Connect
to the tree before your feet leave the ground
Following these three simple steps could save your
life, and keep you out hunting for years to come.
For more information,
please visit http://treestandsafetyawareness.org
